CHAPTER IV

How We Kept the Ford


Early next morning I was summoned to attend the Admiral, who received me
very graciously.

"I trust you have rested well," he said, "as I am about to send you on
another journey. There is, however, no danger in it," he added, smiling.
"I wish you to go to the Prince of Condé at Noyers, to tell him your
story, and to answer any questions he may put to you. I am setting out
myself in an hour or two, but my preparations are not complete. Monsieur
Bellièvre will accompany you as guide; he has received my instructions."

The Admiral could not have chosen for me a more suitable comrade than
Felix Bellièvre. He was quite young, barely more than eighteen, tall,
slim, and good-looking. He had large, expressive, dark eyes, thick,
curling hair, and beautiful white teeth. His smile was sweet and
winning, and he had an air of candour very engaging. Indeed, he so won
upon me, that, after the first mile or two of our journey, we were
chatting like old friends.

"You must be a person of importance," he declared merrily. "Your coming
has created a tremendous commotion at Tanlay. Is it true that the Guises
are bent on a fresh war?"